Subscription prices in 1990 were $2 an issue, $4 for two... not to exceed $24 in a year. This zine did not accept zine reviews and encouraged readers to send them to Treklink, Datazine, The Zine Connection, and other adzines that encouraged zine reviews.

The zine always included "Available Zines" and "Proposed Zines." The some issues contain announcements of cons. Two issues published a handful of notices where fans wrote in a complained of zines they'd felt they'd waited too long for.

In early 1991, the editor had a new policy regarding notices: "It occurs to this editor that complaints are not really appropriate for print in this adzine. Therefore, do not send them... unless your complaint refers to any publications by this editor. Apologies are offered to any individual or press who has felt wounded by anything included within the pages of 'The Monthly.'"

Supporter of the "Fanzine Archives"

From The Monthly (May 1995): "COPIES OF THIS ISSUE will be available at MediaWest Con 15, with proceeds going to the Fanzine Archives. Is there an out-of-print zine you want to read and can't find? The library may have a copy for check-out. For information on borrowing or donating out-of-print zines, send a SASE to: Fanzine Archives, c/o Ming Wathne..."

The Typewriter

To give an idea of the amount of pure handwork that went into each issue, the editor writes a plea for submitters to adhere to keeping their information on 3x5 notecards as this is the only way she files what she receives. "Information received is not stored on a computer to be run off in time for publication. 'The Monthly' is typed anew every single month on a 20-year old-plus IBM electric typewriter with information taken directly from submitted ads. This mode of operation demands uniformity of ad size otherwise this zine could not possibly be on time every month because I'd be spending my typing time sorting and rearranging various size sheets and slips of paper! I realize my antique typewriter doesn't fit into this decade. But then, my pocketbook and mental coping ability doesn't either. When dealing with a dinosaur, you have to expect to use clubs and bear skins!"

First Editorial

From the editor in the first issue: "Welcome to the first issue of the first volume of 'The Monthly... Many people (including friends) have told me I'm 'insane' for putting out a 'monthly' adzine -- something never done before. I'd like to take this opportunity to extend deepest gratitude to those of you who have sent me your ads and your sub money. Thank you patronizing a 'crazy' lady.'"

The editor notes in the next issue that Pop Stand, not "The Monthly," was the first monthly adzine.

Last Editorial

The editor hands up her hat: "Subscriptions for 'The Monthly' have been going well (between 80-100 a month) until this year when the level gradually decreased -- 75, 70, 65, 60... As of this writing, subscriptions number 47. It's time for this editor to retire. 'The Monthly' needs a younger editor, someone who can devote the time necessary to get this adzine back on its feet and successful again, someone who can give this tired zine a fresh, new, appealing look, someone who has a computer instead of an old, worn-out typewriter. Anyone interested in taking over as editor, please write to me. In the meantime, reimbursements, where due, are included with this issue. One adzine is still being published, GAZ. I've enjoyed doing all 84 issues of 'The Monthly.' Thank you for being faithful readers."

Reactions and Reviews

There's an "Announcements" section, an "Available" listing (zines by alphabetical order with the fandom typed on the left side of the sheet), a "Proposed" zines listing, a "Fan Club" listing, an "Other" listing (from which I've gotten some terrific sources of fans having zine sales), and a "Convention" listing. The typing is easy to read, the paper is colored (a different color for each month—very pretty and actually it creates easier reading/scanning) and the zine is always on time. I do like the zines listed in alphabetical order because it's easier to scan for zines in The Monthly than, say, Zine Connection, which groups the zines by editor/publisher/ printer, not alphabetically by name. Both, however, are very informative. Some of the adzines published quarterly are very, very well done, but one reason I truly like The Monthly is because it does get printed every month. Subscribers to The Monthly can choose which months they want issues. (You know me, I've got "fanzine fever" and want fanzine info every month!) [1]

The Monthly is a straight listing, no frills, just the facts, ma'am. What I noticed most about The Monthly is that the majority of the zines listed therein are only listed in The Monthly, and in one of the other adzines. I have no explanation for this phenomenon. Sandy has assured me that Lynda is impeccably on time, and with the update policy, the ads in The Monthly should be completely accurate and up to date. Therefore, it is certainly a good companion to Media Monitor and FYI and Zine Scene. [2]

First Year

front page of issue 1-1

1-1 = January 1990 and contains 15 pages.

1-2 = February 1990 and contains 15 pages.

1-3 = March 1990 and contains 18 pages.

1-4 = April 1990 and contains 20 pages. It contains the winner of the 1988 Surak Awards.

1-5 = May 1990 and contains 21 pages.

1-6 = June 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-7 = July 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-8 = August 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-9 = September 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-10 = October 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-11 = November 1990 and contains 20 pages.

1-12 = December 1990 and contains 22 pages.

Second Year

front page of issue 2-1

2-1 = January 1991 and contains 18 pages. It contains an announcement about the end of Interstat.

2-2 = February 1991 and contains 23 pages.

2-3 = March 1991 and contains 22 pages.

2-4 = April 1991 and contains 22 pages.

2-5 = May 1991 and contains 22 pages. It contains an announcement about the TLC Awards.

2-6 = June 1991 and contains 22 pages.

2-7 = July 1991 and contains 24 pages.

2-8 = August 1991 and contains 26 pages.

2-9 = September 1991 and contains 24 pages. There is an announcement that Datazine has ceased publication.

2-10 = October 1991 and contains 22 pages.

2-11 = November 1991 and contains 25 pages.

2-12 = December 1991 and contains 24 pages.

Third Year

front page of issue 3-1

3-1 = January 1992 and contains 20 pages.

3-2 = February 1992 and contains 20 pages.

3-3 = March 1992 and contains 22 pages.

3-4 = April 1992 and contains 20 pages.

3-5 = May 1992 and contains 25 pages.

3-6 = June 1992 and contains 26 pages.

3-7 = July 1992 and contains 26 pages.

3-8 = August 1992 and contains 26 pages.

3-9 = September 1992 and contains 28 pages.

3-10 = October 1992 and contains 28 pages.

3-11 = November 1992 and contains 28 pages.

3-12 = December 1992 and contains 30 pages.

Fourth Year

front page of issue 4-1

4-1 = January 1993 and contains 24 pages.

4-2 = February 1993 and contains 24 pages.

4-3 = March 1993 and contains 23 pages.

4-4 = April 1993 and contains 22 pages.

4-5 = May 1993 and contains 23 pages. The editor announces that GAZ and The Zine Scene have ceased publication. She also posts a warning about zine piracy.